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BORN
05/22/1960
DIED
02/03/2024
Robert ARUNDEL Obituary
ARUNDEL, Robert William (Willy)
May 22, 1960 - February 3, 2024
With great sadness we announce the passing of Willy.
He is survived by Shelley, his wife of 32 years, their adult sons, Robby and Joey, siblings, Gina (John), Kathy (Rob), John (Iris), 9 nieces, and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews.
Willy attended Delta Secondary where he maintained top grades while playing basketball, soccer, swimming, and other extra-curricular activities. Also, he worked on Seine boats in the summers and into his early twenties. He graduated from BCIT in International Business followed by extensive travel, looking for the right entrepreneurial opportunity. Willy started importing products through a business he started with friends from BCIT. He then worked with Guenter Wettig, a Master German Sausage maker, to create a salmon hot dog, salmon burger and seafood pate (spreads). The pate business lasted his lifetime.
Meeting Shelley, who grew up in a fishing family, was a turning point in Willy's life. She could fillet fish, shuck oysters, drive a stick shift and ski. They married in 1992 and spent time to ski as many mountains in North America as possible. They then searched for a processing plant to invest in to process retort pouching of salmon, process minced salmon and to continue with the salmon spread business. Willy accepted all the ups and downs in his life's experiences to create a path that would lead to a journey of innovation and success in his business after many years. He included his sons from an early age in all aspects of working.
Willy valued sharing his time generously with all his extended family, youth sports teams, and other local organizations. He was actively involved in making sure his boys learned to ski, snowboard, camp, hike, take care of pets, value physical work and swim well. Willy was a one-of-a-kind, energetic, hardworking, generous, and happy person. He was exceptionally smart and not easily swayed to do anything that wasn't interesting to him. We are heartbroken that he left too soon. We are certain he lived his best life, his way, from the very start.
Willy wants all of us to do the same.
He had respect for everyone and often said it's okay, whatever you do, if you love your family,
follow your passions or interests,
ask lots of questions and be kind and honest.
We will treasure our memories of Willy,
and always remember him.
A celebration of life is being planned in the coming months, further information will follow at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert ARUNDEL
24 Entries
dave harrop
July 13, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Willy's passing. One of the smartest people I ever met. We partied at the ranch in Ladner. We skied and hung out at Whistler. He was a fantastic person and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Cheri Reidy
May 22, 2025
My condolences to all of Willy´s family and friends. We met during the Butterfly Lake days when I was 11. Then we had a year of ski bumming at SilverStar when I was was 20. He was fun loving, innovative and determined. It sounds like he had a very good life.
Cheri Reidy née Evans
Steve Wasylyk
February 9, 2025
Just found out about your passing Willy. I know you were the most active volunteer in our community, but I can only express the loss to the scouting community. We spent many years together as leaders and you not only taught the kids, but you showed the other leaders how to scout properly. You will be missed
Rob Fraser
January 5, 2025
It is very sad news to learn of Willie's passing. He was a tireless volunteer in swimming and water polo at all levels of the sport. He was first to arrive in the early mornings to set up and stayed late to take down. He stepped in where others would not and always gave his best and most dedicated efforts.
His love and passion for his family was ever evident and he made every effort to do what he felt was best for them. Of his children, I knew his son Robbie best.
To you Robbie, I hope you are managing this tragic loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you, your Mother and brother Joey.
Dale Freeman
October 11, 2024
Willy was the best volunteer ever. Always willing to lend a hand anywhere it was needed. Had a great positive attitude and kind words for many!
Bruce Loeppky
September 3, 2024
Willy was always around helping at swim meets and water polo events, even after his kids aged out.Lucky to bump into him and Robby at Sharkey's about 6 months before he passed. Wonderful guy
Bruce Langereis
September 1, 2024
RIP Willy - I'll never forget that lecture in accounting at BCIT where we were the only 2 clowns to wear Hallowen costumes that day- you were one smart and funny dude - Til we meet up again brother Peace ☮ and Love ❤forever
Gordon Green
August 28, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear of Willy's passing. He was such a larger-than-life character in high school, with his energy, humor, and vibrant spirit leaving a lasting impression on all of us. Willy had a unique way of making everyone feel special, and his presence will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with all of you who are missing his infectious smile.
Sean Cauley
July 8, 2024
Worked with Willy for years in BCSSA and HS swimming - a wonderful, one-of-a-kind person. I'm so sorry I'm just finding out the sad news now - have you already held the celebration of life?
Susan Dudley
March 26, 2024
This is very sad news. We remember Willy as a boy at Butterfly Lake, kind and funny and ready to help Garry with projects. Our family lost track of the Arundels over the years and we send our deepest sympathy. Sue Dudley and Susie Pohl.
Brendan Lally
March 10, 2024
Sad to see this news, good memories of Willie and his involvement in local Scouting activities. Condolences to all his family.
Randy Davis
March 4, 2024
A sad loss to a great man. Many memories threw our high school years. From the times cruising in the 4x4 Van to LLB 78 . You will be greatly missed my friend .Rest In Peace Buddy tell we meet again.
Paul Dyson
February 26, 2024
We in NZ are sorry to hear of Willys passing. Our condolences to Shelly, Robbie and Joey.
Paul and Michele Dyson
Brigitte
February 26, 2024
Our sincere condolences. Willy was always friendly and helpful. Bless him!
Cousin Chantal
February 20, 2024
Shelly and family,
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. There are not enough words to express my sadness for you all. I will always remember what a kind man Willy was. He will be missed by many. Sending love and prayers
Gordon Hunchak
February 19, 2024
Spent many years with Willy and tge Stingrays. Always lending a hand. A unique individual
Cameron White
February 18, 2024
Willy will always be a member of the Delta Pacer family.
The Worsnop's
February 17, 2024
Our sincere condolences for your loss, Willy was a very kind and generous man and always willing to help out in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Randy & Margi Tompkins
February 16, 2024
So sad to hear. Willy was such an amazing and positive person. He touched so many people with his unbiased friendliness. Sincere condolences to Shelly and family.
Randy & Margi Tompkins
Mark Rogers
February 15, 2024
Condolences to the family. So sorry to hear the news.
Carole Gair
February 15, 2024
Thoughts with the family at this difficult time. Willy will be missed by all
Rob and Alison Jantzi
February 15, 2024
Rob and I are heartbroken for your loss. Willy was one of the kindest people we knew. Rob has lots of great memories of Willy from school. I remember the first time I met Willy at a party. I felt out of place and didn´t know anybody being fairly new from Vancouver. He noticed and took me around, introducing me to everyone and didn´t leave my side. I also remember travelling on the bus with him when he was attending BCIT. He carried his books with a belt wrapped around them! Such a caring, generous, and intelligent person.
John Burr
February 15, 2024
RIP my friend, I will miss your laugh, your smile and your sense of humour. Willy, you have left us far too early but your memory with be with us a lifetime.
Noeline Carriere
February 15, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. May he RIP. God bless .
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